ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Karnataka: ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ Creates Ripples In Udupi District With 500 Kilograms Of Plastic Waste Being Collected From The Backwaters
In the state of Karnataka, a special cleanliness drive was organized by the Zilla Panchayat Udupi, in collaboration with Kotatattu and Kodi Gram Panchayats, together with the Saligrama Kayaking Point under the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ Campaign at the Saligram Kodi backwater point. The district administration along with Zilla Panchayat chose this particular location for cleanup due to the garbage accumulation in the popular tourist spots of the backwater. The event observed participation of various dignitaries and community members, making it a significant effort in promoting cleanliness and environmental awareness.
The event commenced with a Swachhata oath-taking ceremony and the hoisting of the national flag, emphasizing the commitment to cleanliness and environmental preservation. During the event, an impressive 500 kilograms of plastic waste and other debris was collected from the backwaters. This collected waste was subsequently sent to the Solid Waste Management  center for proper and scientific disposal.
The primary objective of this event was to raise awareness among both tourists and the local community about the importance of preventing water pollution. By involving a diverse group of participants and collecting a substantial amount of waste, this initiative demonstrated a strong commitment to safeguarding the environment, especially the backwater ecosystem, and fostering a sense of responsibility towards our natural surroundings. Such events are crucial in promoting environmental sustainability and encouraging responsible tourism practices in the region.
Distinguished participants included Smt. Vidya Kumari, the Deputy Commissioner of Udupi, Prasanna H, the CEO of Zilla Panchayat Udupi, Rashmi AC Kundapura, A Srinivas Rao, the Nodal Officer of SBM-G Udupi, members of the PRI , GP  officials from Kodi and Kotathattu GP, local students, members of SHG , and sanitation staff. In total, approximately 70 participants joined hands for this meaningful initiative.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Shri Nitin Gadkari says Kargil-Zanskar Intermediate Lane on National Highway 301 being upgraded
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari said in Ladakh, the Kargil-Zanskar Intermediate Lane on National Highway 301 is being upgraded.
In a tweet Shri Gadkari said the total length of the project is 31.14 kilometers and falls under Package-6. He said the main aim of this effort is to boost economic growth in the area by providing a reliable and accessible link for both commuters and the movement of goods in the interior zones.
Union Minister said the upgraded highway will ensure year-round accessibility, which will greatly benefit the local economy and the inhabitants of the region.
He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, this ambitious project is dedicated to achieving swift, hassle-free, and environmentally conscious mobility in the Ladakh region.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
NCW launches a series of awareness programmes on NRI marriages in Punjab
Programmes aims to disseminate information on possible risks involved in NRI marriages, to create awareness around preventive measures and legal remedies available for the victims
National Commission for Women  launched a series of ‘Awareness Programmes on NRI Marriages: Do’s and Don’ts, A Way Forward’ across different districts of Punjab to disseminate information on the possible risks involved in NRI marriages, and to create awareness around preventive measures and legal remedies available for victims. Ms Rekha Sharma, Chairperson, NCW, Shri Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Minister of NRI Affairs, Government of Punjab, Prof Arvind, Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University and Ms. Meeta Rajiv Lochan, Member Secretary, NCW graced the occasion.
The awareness programs are being held in collaboration with Department of Law, Panjab University and in association with SGPC, Punjab State Legal Service Authority, Punjabi University, Guru Nanak Dev University, Panchayats, NGOs and the local police.
These programmes aims to familiarize victims of NRI marriages of their rights, deliberate upon the challenges faced by aggrieved women in getting substantial relief through remedies available under Indian legal system and to seek possible solutions to effectively reduce them. The Commission invited eminent experts from the judiciary, administration and the academia as resource persons to inform and educate the participants on the role played by different machineries to provide relief to aggrieved women.
In her address, Chairperson, NCW, Ms Rekha Sharma said that it is very important that girls are given equal opportunities as boys especially in education so that she is empowered and independent. “These awareness programmes will be successful only if families and societies change their mindset. Kindly be aware and do all the proper checks before getting your daughters married. It is our collective responsibility to uproot this evil. NCW is committed to raise awareness across the State and we request you to join hands with us,” added Ms Sharma.
The awareness programme was divided into four technical sessions. The first session was on the ‘Role of judiciary in providing relief to women aggrieved in NRI Marriages’, the second session was on the ‘Role of Police’. The third session was on the ‘Role of legal machinery’ and the fourth session was on ‘Sociological aspects of NRI Marriages’.
Ministry of Power
POWERGRID’s CSR towards healthcare
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited  is a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. POWERGRID has taken up sustained efforts for aligning its CSR with the vision of Government of India’s numerous development efforts for the country.
As part of the CSR initiative, Shri Kailash Rathore, Executive Director Northern Region – II of POWERGRID laid the foundation stone at Primary Health Centre , Mallanwala and Primary Health Centre, Kassowanna in Ferozpur District in Punjab in the presence of Shri Kulbir Singh Zira , MLA Zira and Shri Gurpal Singh Chahal, District Magistrate ,Ferozpur .
The construction of buildings of Primary Health Centre , Mallanwala and Primary Health Centre, Kassowanna in Ferozpur District, Punjab at a financial implication of ₹ 3.22 Cr is part of many CSR initiatives that POWERGRID is taking up in this District. Ferozpur district is one of the aspirational Districts which has been assigned to POWERGRID for its all round socio – economic development and ensuring inclusive growth for all under Government of India’s flagship initiative “Transformation of Aspirational Districts”
This project will lead to infrastructure development in the district. The construction of more rooms will improve the basic healthcare facilities for the ailing. The provision for more rooms will enhance accommodation availability for a large number of patients that will lead to more recoveries.
Earlier, POWERGRID had handed over 3 ambulances to district administration Ferozpur. In addition to this 282 sanitary napkin vending machines along with equal number of incinerators have been installed in 217 Government Middle, High and Senior Secondary girl’s and co-education schools of the District.
Ministry of Defence
INS Tarkash at Cadiz, Spain
In continuation of the Indian Navy’s overseas deployment to Africa, Europe and Russia, Indian Naval Ship Tarkash made a port call at Cadiz, Spain today, on 19 Aug 19 for a three days visit. The port call by INS Tarkash at Cadiz is a demonstration of India’s warm ties with Spain and its commitment to enhance operational reach, maritime security and its solidarity with friendly nations. INS Tarkash had participated in bilateral exercise KONKAN-19 with Royal Navy ship HMS Defender prior entering Cadiz harbour.
INS Tarkash commanded by Captain Sathish Vasudev, is a state of the art warship of the Indian Navy equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors capable of addressing threats in all the three dimensions. The ship is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet and is under the operational Command of Flag Officer Commanding–in–Chief, Western Naval Command, based at Mumbai.
During the port call, various dignitaries and government officials of Spain are scheduled to visit the ship. The ship will also engage extensively with the Spanish Navy during its stay in the harbour. Apart from professional interactions, a number of sports and social engagements are planned, which would go a long way in enhancing cooperation and understanding between the two navies.
Spain and India have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly relations. A number of bilateral arrangements for defence co-operation and cultural exchange exist between the two countries. The professional and cultural bonds developed through regular visits and interactions strengthens the established mechanisms of maritime cooperation between Indian Navy and Spanish Navy while pursuing common goals of keeping the seas safe and secure.
Indian Navy ships are regularly deployed as part of Indian Navy’s mission of building ‘bridges of friendship’ and strengthening international ties. The ship visit to Spain comes amidst growing importance and convergence of national goals towards shared maritime interest and deepening of ties between both the countries.
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Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President calls for building a greener, cleaner planet
On 50th anniversary of World Earth Day, Vice President calls for reorienting development models and consumerism-driven lifestyles
Way forward is to build a sustainable planet by adopting climate friendly policies: Vice President
Need to move towards renewable energy, green building concept, clean technologies and electric vehicles: Vice President
Vice President asks communities at grass root level to adopt mantra of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle to conserve natural resources
The Vice President, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu has called upon all citizens to collectively strive for building a greener and cleaner planet saying environmental protection is a pious civic duty of all.
In a message today on the eve of World Earth Day, he said: “Let us accord prime importance to protect Mother Nature, re-orient the development models and consumerism-driven lifestyles”.
The Vice President said that in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have to revisit and reinvent our development and economic strategies.
Pointing to the unprecedented health crisis caused by COVID-19 pandemic, he said the sweeping lockdowns brought the world to a near halt, reduced the pollution levels and improved the air quality, making us realize the extent to which man has disrupted the ecological balance.
Referring to World Earth Day 2020 theme’s focus on Climate Action, the Vice President said: “We must learn from our past mistakes and understand the importance of the symbiotic co-existence between man and the nature. We are living in an inter-connected world and cannot continue with business-as-usual approach in the quest for development and modernization as every action impacts the environment”.
He urged the people to become pro-active warriors in the protection of nature.
Observing that the way forward is to build a sustainable planet by adopting climate friendly policies in different sectors, Shri Naidu quoting the UNDP said the green house gas emissions were more than 50% higher than the levels in the 1990. He also referred to UNDP’s projections that bold climate action could trigger US$ 26 trillion in economic benefits by 2030 and that by focusing on sustainable energy, 18 million more jobs can be created by 2030 in energy sector alone.
Stating that air pollution reportedly claims seven million lives every year globally, he said the need of the hour is to move increasingly towards renewable energy, green building concept, clean technologies and the use of electric vehicles.
Calling upon communities at the grass root level to take up projects like tree planting on a massive scale and adopting the mantra of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle to conserve natural resources, he said “as a society we need to move collectively towards a more sustainable way of life”. The Vice President also stressed the need to protect nature and preserve culture for a better future.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN WORKFORCE
In order to promote women empowerment and their safety to increase their participation in workforce, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has decided to launch a new and more comprehensive Umbrella Scheme for safety, security and empowerment of women under the name 'Mission Shakti', while including in it components such as National, State and District level Hubs for Empowerment of Women, Women Help Lines, One Stop Centres, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Working Women’s Hostels, crèches for children of working women etc. The schemes of One Stop Centres and Universalisation of Women Helpline are being implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to support women facing violence of any kind which may also adversely impact on their participation in workforce. The Government, with the aim to provide safe and secure work environment to women and to increase their participation in the workforce, has enacted ‘The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace  Act, 2013’ . The Act covers all women, irrespective of their age or employment status and protect them from sexual harassment at all workplaces whether public or private, organized or unorganized. The Act casts an obligation upon employers to provide a safe and secure working environment free from sexual harassment by constituting Internal Committees  for workplaces with ten or more workers and by displaying at conspicuous places the penal consequences of sexual harassment and the orders constituting ICs. Similarly, Local Committees  are to be constituted under the Act in districts to receive complaints in organizations having less than 10 workers or if complaints are against employers themselves. Employers are also required to organize workshops and awareness programmes at regular intervals for sensitizing the employees about the provisions of this legislation. In order to enhance the employability of female workers, the Government is providing training to them through a network of Women Industrial Training institutes, National Vocational Training Institutes and Regional Vocational Training Institutes.
To ensure economic independence of women through skill development and vocational training, the Government has also introduced Skill India Mission. The National Skill Development Policy focuses on inclusive skill development, with the objective of increased women participation for better economic productivity. There are schemes like Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and Stand-up India, for helping the women to set up their own enterprises. Further, the Labour Codes, viz. the Code on Wages 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 and the Code on Social Security, 2020, collectively include provisions to promote participation of women in workforce in a dignified manner.
This information was given by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Cabinet
Stringent Punishment for Sexual Crimes against Children
Death Penalty provisions for Sexual offences against Children
Cabinet approves Amendment in the Protection of Children
from Sexual Offences  Act 2012
In a historic decision to protect the children from Sexual offences, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Amendments in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences  Act, 2012. It will make punishment more stringent for committing sexual crimes against children including death penalty. The amendments also provide for levy of fines and imprisonment to curb child pornography.
Impact
- The amendment is expected to discourage the trend of child sexual abuse by acting as a deterrent due to strong penal provisions incorporated in the Act.
- It intends to protect the interest of vulnerable children in times of distress and ensures their safety and dignity.
- The amendment is aimed to establish clarity regarding the aspects of child abuse and punishment thereof.
Background
The POCSO Act, 2012 was enacted to Protect the Children from Offences of Sexual Assault, Sexual harassment and pornography with due regard for safeguarding the interest and well-being of children. The Act defines a child as any person below eighteen years of age, and regards the best interests and welfare of the child as matter of paramount importance at every stage, to ensure the healthy physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of the child. The act is gender neutral.
Ministry of Defence
DEFENCE EQUIPMENT CAPABILITY REVIEW MECHANISM
Government has a defence equipment capability review mechanism for all three defence services. To address the current and futuristic security needs of Armed Forces, a Capability Development Plan is formulated by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff in consultation with all stakeholders. These plans are reviewed periodically and an Annual Acquisition Plan is progressed thereafter every year.
All three services have requisite mechanisms to review the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul  manuals and procedures. These, inter-alia, include Indian Naval Ship Maintenance Authority  for all Ships and Submarines in the Navy, Directorate of Quality Audit under DG Branch and Central Servicing Development Organisation  in the IAF, etc. For indigenous equipment MRO reviews are also undertaken by the users in consultation with DPSUs/Indian Industry, where applicable.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Kesineni Srinivas in Lok Sabha on March 25, 2022.
Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
NPCC is now a Miniratna
Also gets ISO 9001:2015 certification
National Projects Construction Corporation Limited  has been conferred with the status of Miniratna : Category –I by the Government of India. The empowerment of Miniratna Status to NPCC will help the company in taking speedy decisions by enhancing the delegation of powers to the Board.
NPCC, a schedule ‘B’ CPSE under the administrative control of Ministry of Water Resources RD & GR, has also been awarded ISO 9001:2015 Certification. The Corporation, incorporated in 1957, is a premier construction company having mandate with creation of infrastructure to provide impetus for economic development of the country. The Corporation is making continuous profit since 2009-10, having positive networth for the last six years and has ambitious business plan with enhanced order book position of Rs. 11833 crore.
Ministry of Home Affairs
NCRB celebrates 36th Inception Day
National Crime Records Bureau  celebrated its 36th Inception Day today. Union Home Secretary presided over the function which was also attended by senior officers of MHA and DGs and senior officers from various Central and State Police Organizations.
The Union Home Secretary complimented NCRB for its efforts for delivering timely Publications and IT Applications for criminal justice ecosystem. He appreciated the role of NCRB in creating an ecosystem of scientific and smart policing. He requested States/UTs to provide crime data for the year 2020 expeditiously for getting them aggregated in NCRB publications. He also appreciated the efforts of NCRB in organising CCTNS Hackathon & Cyber Challenge to involve youngsters and harness new ideas.
On the occasion, the Union Home Secretary presented medals to three NCRB officers and personnel during a brief Investiture Ceremony.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Ministry of I&B introduces key amendments to Cable Television Network Rules, 1994
MSO Registration to be renewed for a period of Ten years; Infrastructure Sharing for Enhanced Internet Access
Timely Renewal Window to Ensure Service Continuity for MSOs
The Ministry of INformation and Broadcasting has yesterday issued a notification amending the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994, thereby introducing a procedure for the renewal of Multi-System Operator  Registrations. In addition, an enabling provision has been inserted in the Rules for the sharing of infrastructure by the Cable Operators with Broadband Service providers to promote internet penetration to the last mile.
The salient features of the amended Rules for MSO Registration are :-
- MSOs shall apply for the registration or renewal of registration online at the Broadcast Seva Portal of MIB.
- MSO registrations shall be granted or renewed for a period of ten years;
- The processing fee of Rs. One lakh is kept for the renewal of registration also;
- The application for renewal of registration shall be within a window of seven to two months before the expiry of the registration.
The renewal procedure is in line with the Government's commitment to ease of doing business as it will provide certainty to cable operators to continue their services without interruption and therefore make the sector attractive for foreign investment.
The Ministry has further said that MSOs whose registration is expiring within 7 months are required to apply online through the BroadcastSeva Portal. In case any assistance is required, the helpline number available on the portal may be contacted, or an email may be sent to sodas-moiab[at]gov[dot]in .
Earlier, only fresh MSO registrations were granted under the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994. The Rules did not specify the period of validity for MSO registrations, nor did they recognize the mandatory filing of online applications.
The inclusion of a provision related to the sharing of infrastructure by Cable Operators with broadband service providers will provide the twin benefit of enhanced internet penetration and efficient utilization of resources. It will also reduce the need for additional infrastructure for broadband services.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Funds released to Uttar Pradesh under PMJVK
Ministry of Minority Affairs is implementing various schemes/programmes in the country including Uttar Pradesh for welfare and development of six centrally notified minorities namely Buddhists, Christians, Jains, Muslims, Parsis and Sikhs. Out of the schemes being implemented by this Ministry, only one scheme namely Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram  is Centrally Sponsored Scheme, under which funds are released to the State Governments including Uttar Pradesh. Other Schemes are Central Sector Schemes being implemented directly by the Ministry or through implementing agencies empanelled under the various schemes/programmes, details of which are available on the website of the Ministry i.e. www.minorityaffairs.gov.in.
Under PMJVK, from 2014-15 onwards 287 Additional Classrooms , 2 ACR Blocks, 707 Anganwadi Centres, 25 Common Service Centres , 31 Sadbhavna Mandaps ,1,73,143 Cybergram , 3,865 Drinking and Water Sanitation Projects  , 27 Health Projects  , 20 Degree College, 15 Hostels , 39 ITIs, 2 additional work in ITI, 1 market Shed, 4 Polytechnics , 339 School Buildings, 2 Working Women Hostels, 666 Toilets  , 2764 Teaching Aids etc.
The details of funds released to State of Uttar Pradesh under Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram during the last five years and the current year are as under:
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S. No.
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Financial Year
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|
Fund Released

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|
1
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2015-16
|
|
32462.00
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|
2
|
|
2016-17
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|
14364.00
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|
3
|
|
2017-18
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|
15182.02
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|
4
|
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2018-19
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|
37653.07
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5
|
|
2019-20
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|
16207.94
During 2020-21, an amount of Rs. 4552.91 Lakh has been released to state of Uttar Pradesh as on 31.08.2020.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi in the Lok Sabha today.